Bora Bora’s lagoon is famously clear, but what sits beneath the surface is what draws a different kind of traveler. The island’s sunken shipwrecks — mostly intentional reef-restoration projects and a few accidental groundings — have become artificial reefs teeming with marine life. Around 20 species of coral and over 100 species of fish have been documented on these structures, making them some of the most biodiverse spots in the lagoon. This guide covers the known wrecks you can actually visit, how to see them, and what to expect when you get there. It’s written for snorkelers and divers who want something beyond the standard lagoon tour — families included, as long as the kids are comfortable in open water.
Bora Bora’s shipwrecks are artificial reefs that host roughly 20 coral species and over 100 fish species, making them among the most biodiverse sites in the lagoon.
You can visit Bora Bora’s shipwrecks by snorkel or dive, but they’re not all easy to reach. The best-known wreck sits in shallow enough water for confident snorkelers, while others require a boat and a guide. The trade-off is that you’ll see far more marine life here than on a typical motu sandbar stop.
Snorkelers comfortable in open water
Divers looking for artificial reef sites
Families with older kids (10+)
Below is a quick overview of the main wreck sites you can visit in Bora Bora. Each row covers one wreck, what it’s best for, and a practical tip for your visit.
| Wreck | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marae Wreck | Snorkelers, beginner divers | Shallow depth (5–10m), encrusted with soft coral | 45–60 minutes | Visit on a morning tour before the wind picks up — the lagoon gets choppier after 11 a.m. |
| Haapiti Wreck | Intermediate divers | Larger vessel, schools of barracuda and trevally | 60–75 minutes | Currents can be moderate here — book with a dive shop that checks conditions before heading out. |
| Toopua Wreck | Advanced divers | Deepest wreck (20–25m), intact hull structure | 45–60 minutes | This site requires an advanced open water certification — no exceptions from local operators. |
Marae Wreck — The Snorkeler’s Wreck
The Marae Wreck sits in the shallow waters near the Marae area on the eastern side of the main island. It’s the most accessible wreck in Bora Bora, with the top of the structure at around 5 metres and the bottom at roughly 10 metres. That depth range makes it viable for snorkelers who can hold their breath for a short descent, though most people view it from the surface and still see plenty. The wreck is a small fishing vessel that was intentionally sunk as part of a reef restoration project, and it’s now covered in soft corals, anemones, and clownfish. You’ll also spot parrotfish, butterflyfish, and the occasional green sea turtle cruising past.
Most operators run morning tours that stop at the Marae Wreck along with Coral Gardens and the Lagoonarium. Expect to pay around 8,000–10,000 XPF per person. Bluewater Dive Travel lists operators that include this site.
The boat anchors about 20 metres from the wreck. You’ll have 30–40 minutes in the water. The current is usually mild here, but it can pick up if the wind shifts.
Stay on the surface for the best overall view, or take a breath and drop down to 3–4 metres for a closer look at the coral. Don’t touch the wreck — the coral is fragile and contact can damage years of growth.
The tour continues to Coral Gardens or the Lagoonarium after the wreck. If you’re short on time, skip the Lagoonarium and spend extra time here — the wreck has more marine life density.
If you’re deciding between the Marae Wreck and a standard lagoon tour, the wreck wins for anyone who wants to see fish behaviour up close. The trade-off is that you won’t get the postcard-perfect sandbar photos — but you’ll trade them for a reef that’s genuinely alive.
Haapiti Wreck — The Diver’s Intermediate Challenge
The Haapiti Wreck lies off the Haapiti district on the western side of Bora Bora, in water around 15–18 metres deep. It’s a larger vessel than the Marae Wreck — a former supply boat that now sits upright on the sandy bottom. Schools of barracuda and trevally circle the upper deck, and moray eels tuck into the engine room openings. This site is best for certified divers with at least 20–30 dives under their belt, because the current can be moderate and the depth requires good buoyancy control. Most dive shops in Bora Bora run trips here as part of a two-tank morning package.
Operators like Top Dive Bora Bora and Eleuthera Bora Bora offer guided dives at Haapiti. A two-tank dive runs roughly 12,000–15,000 XPF including gear rental. Bluewater Dive Travel has a list of recommended operators.
The ride takes 15–20 minutes from the main dive shop locations near Vaitape. The boat will anchor up-current of the wreck so you can drift down to it.
You’ll drop to the sandy bottom at 18 metres and swim around the hull. The bow section has the best coral growth. Watch your depth — the deck sits at 12 metres, so it’s easy to drift deeper without noticing.
The dive profile typically gives you 35–40 minutes of bottom time. Your guide will lead a 3-minute safety stop at 5 metres before surfacing.
Book the morning dive slot — the water is calmest between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Afternoon winds can stir up visibility, which drops from 20 metres to 10 metres or less.
If you’re a diver who’s comfortable in current, the Haapiti Wreck is the best mid-level wreck site in Bora Bora. If you’re not, stick to the Marae Wreck — the marine life is similar and the conditions are far more forgiving.
Toopua Wreck — The Deep Dive
The Toopua Wreck sits off the motu of Toopua, just west of the main island, at a depth of 20–25 metres. It’s the deepest of Bora Bora’s accessible wrecks and requires an advanced open water certification. The wreck is an old inter-island cargo vessel that sank in the 1990s, and it’s largely intact — the wheelhouse, cargo hold, and engine block are all recognisable. Because of the depth, bottom time is limited to around 25–30 minutes, and you’ll need to watch your air consumption closely. The payoff is that you’ll see larger pelagic species here — eagle rays, white-tip reef sharks, and schools of jackfish are common.
Only dive shops with advanced-level guides run this site. You’ll need to show your advanced open water card at check-in. The single-tank dive costs around 9,000–11,000 XPF.
The site is a 25-minute boat ride from Vaitape. Your guide will brief you on the descent line and the wreck layout — the current can be stronger here than at Haapiti.
Follow the mooring line down to the wreck. The wheelhouse is the most photogenic section — the windows are still intact and soft coral hangs from the frame. Stay within the guide’s depth limit.
Given the depth, your guide will enforce a longer safety stop — typically 5 minutes at 5 metres. Surface intervals between dives should be at least 60 minutes.
The Toopua Wreck is not suitable for divers who haven’t done a deep dive in the past six months. Nitrogen narcosis can sneak up at 25 metres, especially if you’re not used to the depth. If you’re unsure, do a shallow checkout dive first.
If you’re an advanced diver who wants to see Bora Bora’s bigger marine life, the Toopua Wreck is the site to prioritise. If you’re not certified to that level, the Haapiti Wreck offers a similar experience at a more forgiving depth.
Practical Tips for Wreck Snorkeling and Diving in Bora Bora
Getting to these wrecks requires planning around weather, certification, and operator availability. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
Choosing Between Snorkeling and Diving
The Marae Wreck is the only site that works well for snorkelers. The Haapiti and Toopua wrecks are too deep for surface viewing — you’ll see the dark outline of the hull but none of the detail. If you’re travelling with kids who aren’t certified divers, the Marae Wreck is your only option. For divers, the choice comes down to comfort with depth and current. Haapiti is the sweet spot for most intermediate divers, while Toopua is for those who want a challenge.
Booking Windows and Costs
Wreck tours and dives should be booked at least 2–3 days in advance during peak season (June to August and December to January). Snorkel tours that include the Marae Wreck run 8,000–10,000 XPF per person. Dive packages for Haapiti or Toopua run 9,000–15,000 XPF per dive depending on the operator and whether gear is included. Most dive shops require a minimum of two divers to run a trip to the deeper wrecks.
What to Bring
For snorkeling, bring a rash guard or wetsuit top — the sun is intense on the water, and you’ll be exposed for 30–40 minutes. Reef-safe sunscreen is required by all operators. For diving, bring your own dive computer if you have one — rental computers from shops can be outdated. A dive torch is useful for the Toopua Wreck’s engine room, though not required.
Weather cancellations are common from November to March during the wet season. If a tour is cancelled due to wind or rain, most operators will reschedule rather than refund. Build a buffer day into your itinerary if wreck visits are a priority.
- The Marae Wreck is the only site suitable for snorkelers — the other two require scuba certification.
- Book morning slots for the best visibility and calmest conditions across all three wrecks.
- If you’re short on time, prioritise the Marae Wreck over a standard lagoon tour — the marine life density is significantly higher.
Before You Go: Bora Bora Wreck Questions Answered
Are the wrecks safe to swim around?
Yes, but with caveats. The Marae Wreck is in shallow water with mild current, so it’s safe for confident swimmers. The deeper wrecks have currents that can push you into the structure — always dive with a guide who knows the site.
Can I visit the wrecks without a tour?
Not really. The Marae Wreck is accessible by private boat if you rent one, but the deeper wrecks require a dive guide. Most operators won’t rent tanks to unguided divers for these sites due to the depth and current.
Which wreck has the best marine life?
The Toopua Wreck has the largest pelagic species — eagle rays and reef sharks are common. The Marae Wreck has the highest density of reef fish and coral. If you want quantity over size, pick Marae.
Is the Haapiti Wreck worth it for an intermediate diver?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with moderate current. The schools of barracuda and trevally are consistent year-round, and the wreck structure is more interesting than the Marae Wreck. Skip it if you’re prone to seasickness — the boat ride can be bumpy.
What’s the biggest downside of wreck diving in Bora Bora?
The cost. A single dive at Haapiti or Toopua runs 9,000–15,000 XPF, and you’ll need to book through a shop that may require a two-tank minimum. If you’re on a tight budget, the Marae Wreck snorkel tour is the better value.
Why These Wrecks Are Worth the Effort
Bora Bora’s shipwrecks aren’t the dramatic, deep-water wrecks you see in the Caribbean or the Pacific Northwest. They’re small, shallow, and mostly intentional. But what they lack in scale, they make up for in marine life density. A single 30-minute snorkel at the Marae Wreck can show you more fish species than a full day of motu-hopping. For divers, the deeper wrecks offer a chance to see pelagic species that rarely venture into the lagoon’s shallows. The trade-off is that you need to plan around weather, certification, and cost — but for anyone who wants to see Bora Bora from below the surface, these wrecks deliver something the postcards don’t show. If you’re still weighing your options, the guide to Bora Bora’s motus covers the sandbar side of the lagoon, which pairs well with a wreck morning for a full day on the water.
References
Bluewater Dive Travel. “Bora Bora Diving.” Bluewater Dive Travel. ↗
Martad Travels. “Complete Guide to Bora Bora.” Martad Travels. ↗
My Global Viewpoint. “12 Most Beautiful Places in Bora Bora.” My Global Viewpoint. ↗
If you’re planning a full Bora Bora trip, the spa guide for island wellness retreats covers the relaxation side of the island, while the secret grottoes guide offers another off-the-beaten-path water experience. For families, the secret beaches article rounds out a lagoon-focused itinerary with quieter spots away from the resort crowds.
Explore Places to Stay in Bora Bora
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